Beaumont firefighters deployed to Bastrop

Beaumont Fire Rescue has deployed members of its Wildland Firefighting Team to the Bastrop area to assist the Texas Forest Service on the wildland fires there. Three firefighters left the afternoon of Oct. 14 with the wildland fire truck to be a part of a strike team once they arrive. They may be deployed for a period of 10 to 14 days before being released.

Thursday, Oct. 14, as severe wildfires continued, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in Bastrop County, just east of Austin, authorizing further mobilization of state resources to assist impacted communities.

“As severe wildfires continue to impact Bastrop County, I strongly urge Texans in that area to take all possible precautions to ensure their safety,” said Abbott. “By declaring a state of disaster in Bastrop County, the state of Texas is activating resources to help affected communities as efficiently and as effectively as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected, and I want to thank the first responders who are working tirelessly to provide care and resources to the impacted areas.”

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) request, meaning that Texas will be eligible for 75 percent reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with fighting this fire.